The US warship that spent too much time at sea finally gets a break

The US super-carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, which spent nearly nine months at sea supporting US operations against Iran, docked at a port in eastern Thailand on Wednesday. The ship, carrying about 5000 sailors and marines, arrived at Laem Chabang Port in Thailand’s Chonburi province after spending 286 days at sea since November. This marked the first full port stop for the ship during its deployment. The crew had not been on shore for more than 260 days, and reports emerged last month of deteriorating mental health among the crew, as well as shortages of key food supplies aboard. The Lincoln approached the port bearing visible signs of wear, with large patches of rust and marine algae visible on the carrier’s lower hull. The ship’s appearance reflected the strain of its prolonged deployment. Shortly after the Lincoln’s arrival, the destroyer USS Frank E. Petersen Jr., one of several ships in its carrier strike group, passed through the area. Another ship, the guided-missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls, headed to Map Ta Phut in neighboring Rayong. The Lincoln’s crew members later disembarked to spend their free time in nearby Pattaya, a seaside resort city that American military personnel have frequented since the Vietnam War era. Crew members were not immediately accessible to the media, but the ship appeared due for at least a new paint job. Large blotches of rust were visible on the hull, particularly just above the waterline and at the edge of the flight deck, where fighter aircraft and helicopters were parked. The US embassy stated that the ship had been deployed for 286 days since November, and that Thailand was the ship’s first full port stop in that time. Its uninterrupted time at sea before Wednesday’s arrival was 264 days. When asked about the carrier’s appearance, Captain Dan Keeler, the Lincoln’s commanding officer, replied that “it is normal for a long deployment, and we’re not going to make further comments.” Euan Graham, a defense expert at the Australian National Security College, described the ship as looking like “what it is: a ship that’s been continuously at sea for 286 days.” He noted that the Abraham Lincoln had been on a prolonged combat deployment during which normal port calls were denied to it, making it a symbol of the US Navy’s strategic overstretch and fatigue. However, he also pointed out the impressive state of the air wing, suggesting a story of resilience under extreme stress. The navy had dismissed reports about sailors on board struggling with mental health concerns. A navy official confirmed that a sailor aboard the Lincoln went overboard in early August but was quickly recovered, treated by the ship’s medical department, and transferred off-ship for follow-on care. The official did not specify whether the incident was considered a suicide attempt. In Pattaya, local businesses prepared for a surge in activity. Welcome banners were displayed outside restaurants and bars, and a local gem store promoted its special deals. A giant LED sign in front of the city’s famous Walking Street featured a welcome message with images of the Lincoln, as well as the Thai and American flags. Pattaya, known for its vibrant nightlife, welcomed the crew with anticipation, despite its reputation for being a hub for sex tourism. The Lincoln’s commanding officer, Captain Dan Keeler, exchanged gifts with Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet at the city’s Hard Rock Hotel. Crew members from the Lincoln arrived at a hotel in Pattaya, where they could enjoy some respite before returning to their duties. Local authorities anticipated increased economic activity from the visit, estimating potential revenue per person per day based on previous experiences with military personnel visiting the region. The Lincoln’s deployment, which included involvement in the US naval blockade and combat operations in the war with Iran, drew attention due to reports of deteriorating conditions on board. Shortages of basic hygiene items, smaller meal portions, and disruptions to the mail system were reported. Other issues included mold in showers, broken toilets, and a lack of hot water. Reports also indicated incidents involving crew members attempting to jump overboard, though the Navy has not officially acknowledged these claims beyond confirming one such incident in August.